Multiple sleeve method and apparatus for treating edema and other swelling disorders

Abstract

An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

1. A system for applying pressure to a body limb, said system comprising:
 a first sleeve comprising a cylindrical body open at both ends, having a foam lining, and being configured to be slid over the full length of the limb and to apply an inward pressure onto the limb; and 
 a second sleeve comprising a cylindrical body open at both ends and being configured to be slid wholly over the entire length of the first sleeve such that the second sleeve will have the same length as the first sleeve and will apply additional inward pressure along the full length of the limb when the second sleeve is in place over the first sleeve. 
 
   
   
     2. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the first sleeve is configured to cover an arm from the wrist to near the shoulder. 
   
   
     3. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein at least the first sleeve has an outer surface with a low coefficient of friction. 
   
   
     4. A system as in  claim 3 , wherein at least the second sleeve consists essentially of thin fabric sleeves. 
   
   
     5. A system as in  claim 4 , wherein each of the sleeves independently provides an inward pressure in the range from 5 mmHg to 30 mmHg. 
   
   
     6. A system for applying pressure to an arm, said system comprising: an innermost therapeutic pressure sleeve (TPS) comprising a cylindrical body open at both ends having ridges formed over an inner surface and configured to be slid over the entire length of the arm from the shoulder to the wrist and to apply an inward pressure thereon; and at least a second sleeve comprising a cylindrical body open at both ends being configured to be slid wholly over the entire length of the TPS such that the second sleeve will have the same length as the therapeutic pressure sleeve and will apply additional inward pressure onto the limb when the second sleeve is in place over the therapeutic pressure sleeve. 
   
   
     7. A system as in  claim 6 , wherein the TPS has an outer surface with a low coefficient of friction. 
   
   
     8. A system as in  claim 7 , further comprising at least a third sleeve configured to be slid over the second sleeve to apply additional inward pressure onto the limb. 
   
   
     9. A system as in  claim 8 , wherein the second and third sleeves consist essentially of thin fabric sleeves. 
   
   
     10. A system as in  claim 9 , wherein each of the TPS and sleeves independently provide an inward pressure in the range from 5 mmHg to 30 mmHg when placed over the arm.